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Your (Really) Good Guide to Reuse

It extends the life of the things we buy and preserves the planet’s precious resources.

Everyone is doing it!

400,000 Australians will be part of the Garage Sale Trail this year. They will re-home over 4 million kilos of stuff, saving it from landfill.

Garage Sale Trail only happens on one weekend of the year, so just imagine how much of a difference you can make by reusing all year round. Here’s a selection of some of the top ways you can keep on Blazing the reuse Trail.

List it.

With more than 3 million listings across hundreds of categories and an average 7 million unique visitors a month, Gumtree is a great place to buy, sell and find just about anything. Things that sell like hotcakes include furniture, gardening equipment, gym stuff and tools. Simply log on to Gumtree and get listing today.

Donate it.

What could be better than passing on what you don't want to someone who really needs it? Charities and op shops are a great option for clothing, accessories and books that are in good condition. Search for an op shop near you

Repair it.

Check out YouTube for handy guides to help you get nifty with a glue gun, screwdriver or needle and thread. Or get someone else to help. Many local Men’s Sheds provide repair services on your doorstep. Find a Shed near you

Re-gift it.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder so take a rummage through your cupboards for items you don’t use and pass them on to someone who could use them. Many local community organisations like playgroups, kindergartens and shelters are looking for items all year round. Check out Givit for details of what community groups near you are looking for right now.

Swap it.

For a thrifty and planet saving way to update your wardrobe, get involved in one of the many clothing swaps popping up all across Australia. Search for events near you or check out the marvellous event organised by the good folk at The Clothing Exchange.

Hire it.

Rather than splashing out on a fancy frock for that special celebration (you know you’ll really only wear it once, right?) hire or borrow something instead. There are heaps of online stores now offering designer gear to hire at pocket friendly prices meaning you get the celebrity look for less and do your bit for the planet too

Recycle it.

Ok, so not everything can be reused. For items that really have reached the end of their life, check out your local council website or visit Planet Ark's Recycling Near You website for details on how to recycle anything and everything from mattresses to light globes and X-Ray films.

Things that aren’t rad

Disposable coffee cups, plastic bags and straws

Leaving items you no longer want on the kerb or outside an op shop for someone else to deal with – not only is it illegal but it costs local communities and charities heaps in clean up fees